The Irish young people, all under 25 years, taking part have proven expertise in their chosen field, having competed against their peers to secure their places at the competition. Aaron and his fellow team members were selected from the winners of the National Skills Competition Finals, held in December last year.

They will showcase their skills and talents in the areas of aircraft maintenance, automobile technology, beauty therapy, cabinetmaking, heavy vehicle mechanics, construction metal work, electrical installations, industrial control, joinery, plastering and dry wall systems, plastic die engineering, plumbing and heating, restaurant service and welding. Competitors have been in full-time training for the past 10 weeks under the direction of their coaches.

The WorldSkills Competition, which is held every two years, is the world’s largest professional education event. Approximately 1,200 competitors from 68 countries and regions will compete in almost 51 different skills and disciplines in Abu Dhabi. All competitors will demonstrate technical abilities both individually and collectively to execute specific tasks for which they study and/or perform in their workplace.